Training Intervention at BUT: The University Strengthens Crisis Preparedness

How would the university react in case of a threat? The Brno University of Technology (BUT) has long been working on strengthening its security measures. Part of these efforts was also an exercise conducted by the Police of the Czech Republic (PCR) at the Faculty of Business of BUT (FB BUT), which tested the preparedness of the university, PCR, and the functionality of crisis communication. This initiative is complemented by the Safe University website, the security committee, and updated emergency protocols.

The university is training for crisis management. Police conducted an exercise at the Faculty of Business. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

Last year, the university implemented a new security plan and updated its existing security measures. The Rector of BUT, Ladislav Janíček, formed a security committee and appointed a security coordinator. The coordinator is Roman Straka, who leads the group of security managers across faculties and departments, whom students and staff can contact if they feel unsafe or have any security-related concerns.

The university continues to take active steps in security matters. On Wednesday, April 23, an open exercise by the Czech Police took place at the Faculty of Business. To avoid alarmist reports and dangerous situations, participants in the faculty building, as well as surrounding buildings and areas, were informed in advance about the exercise. The exercise was preceded by training held at the faculty a week before the event. During the training, the Czech Police informed students and staff about how to behave and proceed in case of danger. On Wednesday morning, the police also gave instructions on how to behave to ensure everyone’s safety. The exercise itself took place during the full operation of the faculty.

A scenario was simulated at the faculty involving an attacker with a stabbing weapon, who aimed to injure as many people as possible. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

The aim of the exercise for the PČR was to test the actions of the police commander, conduct an evacuation of the building, and verify PCR's orientation in the building based on intervention cards. The crisis communication with staff and students, as well as cooperation with the faculty leadership and the BUT security coordinator, was also tested. A crisis notification was sent out to quickly inform the staff and students of BUT in the event of an emergency. Following this, a swift evacuation of the building began.

"Real exercises help open our eyes and identify blind spots in our internal systems. They help verify whether everything is set up correctly, for example, in the evacuation process. It's also crucial to test internal communication. Communication isn’t just about important exercises or incidents, but also about smaller issues where someone might feel in danger. It’s important that our students and staff know where they can turn for help," said Roman Straka, Security Coordinator at BUT.

After the crisis notification was sent out, a swift evacuation of the building began. The intervention team entered shortly afterward. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

A scenario was simulated at the faculty with an attacker armed with a stabbing weapon, who aimed to harm as many people as possible. The police operations center responded to the report of the attack, and all available police officers, regardless of their assignment, were dispatched to the scene. The intervention team carried out the building entry and inspection. The intervention involved between 50 and 60 people. Around 30 role players, students from the Security and Law Academy Brno, were also present, and some of them simulated injuries.

"I evaluate it very positively. I appreciate the courage of the Faculty of Business leadership for participating in this exercise. I also appreciate the cooperation with the police, emergency services, firefighters, and all the participants who were present. Not only the intervention itself, but also the behavior of everyone involved was very professional," said Roman Straka, adding: "I would be glad if the exercise could also take place at other faculties and buildings of BUT."

Around 30 role players were also present – students from the Security and Law Academy Brno – some of whom simulated injuries. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

"The fact that the exercise took place is good not only for the police, as some things cannot be studied theoretically and must be reinforced through ongoing exercises, but I believe it is even more important for the public, for students, and for the faculty staff who must imagine firsthand how such a situation could unfold, and that everyone must take some action to protect themselves," added Martin Kotlan, Director of the Brno Municipal Police.

The Faculty of Business took away the need to improve orientation in the building and plans to standardize room signage and other navigation elements. "The building is located on a slope, so from one side it appears to have three floors, while from the other, five. It's often difficult to identify the main entrance. We also need to standardize both Czech and English room descriptions and other graphic elements," said Stanislav Škapa, Dean of FB BUT. He praised the exercise and hopes it will be repeated in the future. "I thank the Czech Police, and the feedback from colleagues has been positive. I would like to establish broader cooperation and would welcome if the exercise could be repeated in a year – the faculty would then receive feedback on how it has progressed and improved."

The aim of the exercise was to verify the university's and the Police’s preparedness, as well as the effectiveness of crisis communication. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

The university is also continuously updating its internal regulation on emergencies, which addresses procedural, communication, and organizational steps in the event of an emergency, including crisis or security incidents. The so-called mindfulness principle and procedures for communication in case of any suspicion are being implemented. The Safe University web guide Safe University will assist in managing a crisis situation if needed. The most important thing is knowing how to react and what to do. Detailed information and procedure cards are available on the website, describing how individuals should act, how and with whom to communicate, etc.

All parties involved in the exercise deemed it useful and necessary. | Author: Ondřej Krejčí

Previously, a security training was also held by the South Moravian Police Headquarters directly at the BUT Rectorate, which was attended by representatives from other Brno universities. Another significant activity was a working meeting of university representatives and the Czech Police on the "Police Commander" project, focused on protecting so-called soft targets. The event was attended by representatives from all Brno universities and the Emergency Medical Service of the South Moravian Region. The "Police Commander" project involves a group of 14 specially trained PCR officers who are available 24/7 and focus on the safety of the university environment. To ensure the best preparedness for potential emergencies, they will gradually visit individual buildings, always accompanied by security coordinators.